Press Releases

As part of the Obama Administration's commitment to create a fairer, more effective criminal justice system, reduce recidivism, and combat the impact of mass incarceration on communities, the Department of Education today announced the Second Chance Pell Pilot program to test new models to allow incarcerated Americans to receive Pell Grants and...

At a time when educators are raising the bar for student achievement higher than ever, the job of the American teacher has never been more critical to the success of students and to the prosperity of our communities and our country. Teachers are helping to catalyze great progress in education, including our nation’s record high school graduation rate, narrowed achievement gaps, and a larger number of young people—particularly African-American and Hispanic students—attending college.

Building on the significant progress seen in America’s schools over the last six years, the U.S. Department of Education announced today that Alaska, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah have each received continued flexibility from provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

I was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Dr. George Cooper. Dr. Cooper made a tremendous contribution that has benefited countless students in a full and extraordinary career. Dr. Cooper made a tremendous contribution that has benefited countless students in a full and extraordinary career. Throughout his life, Dr. Cooper was committed to promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability across our nation’s HBCUs. Dr.

"As the largest and most affordable segment of America's higher education system, community colleges are critical to reaching Presidents Obama's goal of having the highest share of college graduates in the world and to ensuring America's long-term economic prosperity. The President has called for making two years of community college free so that students can earn the skills needed for today's jobs and the first half of a bachelor's degree at no cost.

The U.S. Education Department today announced the award of $270 million to 968 institutions of higher education to provide thousands of students with academic and other support services they need to succeed in college.

The grants are aimed at helping increase the number of low-income college students, first-generation students and those with disabilities to successfully complete a program of study at the postsecondary level.

"We applaud the progress made in the Senate today toward replacing the flawed No Child Left Behind Act. We need a new law that gives every child an opportunity to succeed. This bill would give states more flexibility from one-size-fits-all federal mandates and reduce the burden of testing on classroom time, while still ensuring that parents and educators know how students are doing every year.